Please Find My Family

Sister Gomes and Sister Buhler were on their way to Sacrament meeting one morning when they met a 14  year old boy (Well...almost 15 because his Birthday is a week from tomorrow) and began talking to him.  They sensed that he had a great desire to know more about the gospel.  He had attended church a few times before with his mother and sister who had forgotten they were members, and his aunts and uncles that are members of the church.  The sisters marked a day during the week to teach him more.  During the first visit, the sisters felt something very special about this young man.  They began talking about his family and Keven told them that he had 2 uncles who had served missions and are now living in Portugal.  When he said the names of his uncles, Sister Gomes eyes widened as she recognized one of the names. 

 Over a year and one half ago, when Sister Gomes received her call to the Cabo Verde Mission, a Brother Barros in her branch in Portugal, asked her to please find and baptize his family. She says, at that time, maybe because of little faith, or maybe the lack of missionary experience, she couldn't imagine that those words of Brother Barros would actually come to pass.  Keven is the nephew of Brother Barros and was baptized Saturday, July 14th, 2012.  His great desire is to one day serve a full-time mission like his uncles have. 

Sister Buhler in stripes and Sister Gomes in yellow are the sweet missionaries who taught Keven.  I can imagine the angels putting these tender mercy pieces of life together just to let people know that they are known and loved.  I have witnessed the 'bows on the endings' of many missions.  Keven's desire and his study of the gospel have touched many hearts: his uncles, the sister missionaries, his mother and sister who are trying to come back to church, Keven's heart... and ours. 

 

We had family night with Keven, his two younger sisters, and the missionaries one evening.  Keven explained the plan of Salvation as clear as I have ever heard it.  When he was explaining about the Plan of Happiness and the Kingdoms that Heavenly Father has prepared for His children after this life, he said simply:  The Telestial Kingdom is for those who do not believe in a Savior and for those who do not repent.  The Terrestrial Kingdom is for those who are ("mais or menos") more or less...half and half...and the Celestial Kingdom is for those who are (dignos) worthy to return to live in Heavenly Father's presence. 

Keven's birthday is July 31st.  They don't really celebrate birthdays much here, but for Keven it means that in 4 more years he can serve a mission!  He will be sent to a place in the world where he will be the one to touch someone's heart.  Until then...he will study and learn.  I feel confident that he will serve that mission and that the prayers of family are heard. Besides, there is nothing "mais ou menos" about this young man!